On Wednesday, May 6 (holiday), in conjunction with the Meiji Yasuda J1 Centennial Plan League Regional Round EAST, Matchday 15 against Mito HollyHock, a special train service was operated as part of our sustainability initiatives. This train traveled from Kamisukami Station, located in Kamisu City (our hometown) and typically used exclusively for freight, to Kashima Soccer Stadium Station.
This initiative was carried out using a portion of the "Philosophy Sponsorship Funds (*)" from the ANTLERS BUSINESS CLUB.
■ Challenging Problem Solving Based on Sustainability Policy
At Mercari Stadium, car-based transportation is the norm, leading to chronic traffic congestion on surrounding roads before and after matches, and a subsequent increase in environmental burden due to CO2 emissions. These have been long-standing issues.
Based on the "Sustainability Policy" established in November 2025, the club, in cooperation with Ibaraki Prefecture and Kashima Rinkai Railway Co., Ltd., promoted "modal shift" as a concrete action to solve these problems, encouraging a shift from private cars to environmentally friendly railway transportation. We implemented "Park & Ride," where participants parked their cars in the free parking lot in front of Kamisu Station and transferred to the "Kashima Rinko Line" to head to the stadium.
This project received more than five times the number of applications than its capacity, and approximately 200 people selected by lottery rode the train on the day.
As a boarding perk, a limited edition commemorative ticket sticker was also presented.
■ Environmental Impact and Proposal for a New Spectator Style
Through this initiative, we were able to create the following results and value:
Avoidance of traffic congestion and improved convenience:
The special train, which took approximately 25 minutes one way from Kamisu Station to the stadium, enabled smooth travel, avoiding traffic congestion before and after the match.
Significant CO2 Reduction Achieved:
By shifting from private car to train transportation, CO2 emissions for participants' round trips were reduced by approximately 80%, achieving a total CO2 reduction of 773.3 kg. This is equivalent to the amount of CO2 absorbed by approximately 88 cedar trees in one year.
Diverse Utilization of Regional Resources and Special Experience:
This initiative, which temporarily converted freight-exclusive infrastructure to passenger transportation, became an example of creating new value for the Kashima Rinkai Railway, a crucial regional asset. Through extraordinary experiences in normally inaccessible areas, such as boarding and alighting using a gangway, participants were able to experience a new spectator style of "choosing sustainable actions while having fun."
The survey results from those who rode the train also showed significant interest in the convenience of transportation and their intention to use it in the future.
Kashima Antlers will carefully examine this empirical data and feedback from everyone, aiming to build sustainable stadium access with low environmental impact, while maintaining a strong awareness of sustainability.
Going forward, we will continue to contribute to resolving regional issues and fostering sustainable development in collaboration with local communities and businesses.
The ANTLERS BUSINESS CLUB will continue to conduct activities aimed at regional contribution and social contribution.
(*) What is Philosophy Sponsorship Activity?
A portion of the membership fees for the ANTLERS BUSINESS CLUB will be allocated as "Philosophy Sponsorship Funds" to activities aimed at regional and social contribution.
ANTLERS BUSINESS CLUB
https://www.antlers.co.jp/pages/partner-business-club